A: Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the
body at specific points shown as effective in the treatment of specific
health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period
of 2,000 years. Electromagnetic research has confirmed their locations.

Q: What problems can be treated by acupuncture?

A: The World Health Organization has said that acupuncture
is suitable for treating the following:

Acupuncture has been used for centuries in China to treat many
other problems, such as knee pain, sprains and strains, and most
gynecological complaints.

Q: How deep do the needles go?

A: That depends on the nature of the problem, the location
of the points selected, the patient’s size, age, and constitution, and on the
acupuncturist’s style or school. Usually the needles are inserted from ¼ to 1
inch.

Q: Does it hurt?

A: If your practitioner has obtained the correct stimulus
of the needle, you should feel some cramping, heaviness, distention,
tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or
down the affected meridian. In Chinese, acupuncture is bu tong,
or painless. Some Western cultures may categorize these sensations as types
of pain. In any case, if you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild.

Q: Are the needles clean?

A: Most acupuncturists in the U.S. use sterilized,
individually packaged, disposable needles. Needles should not be saved and
reused for later treatments, as this could spread disease.

Q: How does acupuncture work?

A: Western medicine can’t explain how it works.
Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow
of Qi (energy) and Zue (blood) through
distinct meridians (pathways) that cover the body sort of like blood vessels.
According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow
to areas where it is deficient and away from areas where it is in excess. In
this way acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious balance of the
body. In Chinese there is a saying: “There is no pain if there is free flow;
if there is pain, there is no free flow.”

Q: Are there different acupuncture styles?

A: Yes. Acupuncture originated in China but has spread to
Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Europe, the British Isles, and the U.S. In different
countries, differences in styles have evolved due to differing opinions on
theory and technique. Patients should talk to their practitioners about their
style to become appropriately informed about the treatment being proposed.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A: That depends upon the duration, severity and nature of
your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition.
A series of five to fifteen treatments may resolve many chronic problems.
Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.

Q: What should I know about the proposed treatments?

A: Your practitioner will explain the nature of your
problem and what treatment he is recommending. He will tell you the
benefits/risks of the proposed treatment, what other treatment options are
available to you through his practice or by referral to another practitioner
or doctor. If you agree to go ahead with the treatments, your practitioner
will tell you what progress to expect, what to do if you don’t experience
that progress, and what to do if you feel worse.

Q:
Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?

A:
Yes. The following suggestions will help you get the most out of your
session.

1) Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the chance of
bacterial infection.

1) Relax. There’s no need to be anxious. Ask your
practitioner any questions as they occur to you so you can get the most
benefit possible from the treatment.

2) Do not change your position or move suddenly. If
you are uncomfortable, tell the doctor.

3) Some people experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweats,
shortness of breath, or faintness during treatment. This is usually due to
nervousness. Inform your practitioner immediately so he can remove or adjust
the needles. Also, let him know if you feel an increasing amount of pain or
burning during the treatment.

4) If
you find the treatment unbearable at any point, be sure to speak up so he can
make the proper adjustments or suspend treatment.

Q: What can I expect after treatment?

A: You may notice a spot of blood at one or more of the needle
sites, or a small bruise could develop. These are not harmful, but please let
your practitioner know if you are concerned about them. Patients often
experience the most dramatic results in the first treatment. Some patients
experience an immediate, total or partial relief of their pain or other
symptoms. This relief may last, or some pain may return. In a few cases,
there may be no immediate relief, but symptoms may diminish over the next
couple of days. Generally you should expect to feel better. Most patients will
have more questions that this brochure can answer. Your doctor is used to
answering questions such as: Should I continue to see my MD Should I continue
to take my present medications? What should I eat? What can I do at home to
improve my condition? Discuss these and other questions with Dr. Qin.